 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clare
Date: 2004-04-13 10:48
I want some advice on the way a case ought to cradle the joints in order to protect the instrument properly.
I've just replaced my old (heavy) double case and Eb case with more lightweight versions. The cases arrived this morning & I've just been trying out the instruments in them. The Eb case fits well, and the instrument seems well supported. Ditto the Bb in the double case.
But I'm concerned about the A & I'm not sure whether my concerns are valid (and I should try to return the case) or whether I'm worrying about nothing.
The top joint of the A doesn't seem as well supported. With the case open, if you apply any pressure at either end, the joint rocks. This puts pressure on the trill keys. Perversely it fits quite snugly if you put it in upside down (ie with the register key facing out towards the top of the case) but I don't know whether that is good for the keywork.
The bottom joint of the A doesn't sink nicely into the slot for it, but sits proud, resting on the keys. In particular, the RH keys are resting on the ridge between the joint's bed and the space for accessories. The thumb rest appears to be taking some of the weight, so I don't think all the weight is on the keys, but they are taking some of it.
On the plus side, when closed the padded top of the case appears to be providing good support as nothing appears to be moving around.
I don't want to be worrying unnecessarily, but neither do I want to risk damaging the instruments. I'd be really grateful for any advice from the wise regulars of this BB.
Thanks,
Clare
PS: If anyone's familiar with John Myatt's own-brand cases, that's the type I'm talking about. If anyone has experience of these, I'd be interested to hear about it.
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Author: Joe B
Date: 2004-04-13 14:51
My Buffet Festival clarinet came with the original Buffet case which protected my clarinet as well as a metal Craftsman tool box. The Festival comes with two barrels. Buffet has no compartment for the second barrel. I guess you're supposed to stick it in your pocket. I purchased a BAM Trekking clarinet case which provides storage for a second barrel, plus loads of storage in another zippered compartment. It protects my clarinet better than anything else that I have seen, although it is quite pricey. Leblanc now includes the BAM case as standard with the Concerto model.
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Author: OpusII
Date: 2004-04-13 14:55
Joe,
BAM has indeed great cases! But it's a shame that they still haven't made a combination case Bb/Eb Clarinet...
Eddy
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-04-13 15:54
Eddy,
If you can do without the small storage area inside the case, there is room to have an e flat slot cut out.
This is what I had done by a London repairer, and bingo, I have a BAM triple case!
As for whether your Buffet should rock or not, I would say so long as it does't rattle around in transit, or have anything putting pressure on it, it should be ok.
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2004-04-13 15:55
Ouch....
Your clarinet need to be supported at the securely at tenons. What you are describing does not sound good. Sounds like a recipe for bent keys.
Many instruments are damaged by poor fitting cases. I know nothing about the brand you are talking about, but perhaps it wasn't made with this model of clarinet in mind.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetXpress.com
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Author: Clare
Date: 2004-04-13 18:27
Walter -
Thanks very much for the comments.
The brand is a UK one - Myatt's are a well respected WW & brass outfit over here & this is their own-brand style of case. It's intended as a generic case to suit any model of instrument - modelled loosely on the Fel (Gewa) cases (which are great - my single Bb one is fantastic, though expensive). Mine are Yamaha Customs, so nothing out of the ordinary.
But you're confirming my doubts. Given that the Eb and Bb fit so nicely (and are really well supported at the tenons) I wonder whether I just got a rogue case where the A slots aren't quite right.
Clare
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Author: davor
Date: 2004-04-14 08:21
BAM cases are very nicely designed, but interior is made of foam material. The selmer light cases are made of same material. The material is absorbing moisture, the silver oxidates much quicker than in other cases, and if instrument is not maintained i.e. cleaned properly, the case starts to smell badly after some time.
IMO,
FEL or Orly cases are much better, yet their design is not so perfect as BAM s.
Davor
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Author: OpusII
Date: 2004-04-14 08:39
Davor,
Quote:
BAM cases are very nicely designed, but interior is made of foam material. The selmer light cases are made of same material. The material is absorbing moisture, the silver oxidates much quicker than in other cases, and if instrument is not maintained i.e. cleaned properly, the case starts to smell badly after some time.
I've got the case no about 8 years.. but my clarinet silver keywork looks still brand-new!!! If you open the case at home after you've played, then you're doing your wood and your keywork a favor by letting the moisture out… So I think this doesn’t have to be any problem.
Eddy
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Author: cujo
Date: 2004-04-14 23:41
If your clarinet pieces move around with the case closed you can put a very small piece of fabric possibly a cleaning cloth cut in half or smaller in case where it seems to be loose. Make sure keys do not put pressure on case/lid, will bend keys.
You say keys are resting on the case? That can possibly bend keys. the body should hold the clarinets wieght in the case, not the keys. Can be fixed with well placed fabric, but never use to much fabric. Also a good idea to always check to see that the lid will not bend keys.
Also possibly not a slot really made for an A. Maybe case was mislabeled.
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